Contents - SPAD

3.6) Modes
LPT covers a wide range of modes from different types of bus and rail system. Each has different
key characteristics in terms of PPHPD, average speed, technology and operating considerations.
Buses typically operate at lower speed and are more likely subject to congestion thus impacting the
reliability and ability to operate according to timetable. There is often the potential to implement
bus priority measures which provides flexibility to respond to changes in demand and network
characteristics. It provides a much lower capacity compared to rail systems but operate with lower
costs where lower capacity is required, flexible to changing demand and can provide services close
to most developments. As such, buses are more suited to feeder corridors and local/ district
network.
Figure 3.8: Relating the Modes to Conceptual Corridor Hierarchy
In addition to feeder bus service provision, BRT systems can operate with a range of vehicle types
from single deck buses carrying 70 passengers up to articulated vehicles carrying 300 passengers of
which the majority will be standing. These rely more on segregated sections of carriageway in
order to provide relief from congestion and the highest capacity BRT vehicles cannot easily operate
in mixed traffic conditions. They can play a role in local corridors and also on secondary corridors.
The capacity provided is a function of the headway and vehicle types. This will determine the
amount of carriageway required for BRT services. High frequency services, such as in Latin
America, China or India typically require more running lanes. With transit stations, they can
require the equivalent of a five lane highway and are thus very demanding of infrastructure needs
particularly in corridors that already include complex road networks that BRT needs to fit
alongside.
Street trams by comparison can operate within traffic lanes or segregated from traffic, and are
extensively used in Western Europe. Where they operate with traffic and pedestrians, the speed is
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